Apparatus for supporting a goal upright

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use with goals, preferably soccer goals, includes a support ( 101 ) that is capable of preventing the rotation of the goal, particularly when the goal is tipped, and is movably connected an upright ( 103 ). When a goal is tipped, gravity causes the support ( 101 ) that is hingedly connected to upright ( 103 ) to maintain an approximately vertical position while the upright ( 103 ) moves as the goal tips. As the goal tips, the support ( 101 ) moves within a desired range relative to the upright ( 103 ). When the support ( 101 ) contacts the play field, rotation of the goal stops.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

The present invention does not involve any form of federally sponsoredresearch or development.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to goals used with sporting activitiesincluding, but not limited to, goals that have supports that preventgoal uprights from contacting the ground when the goal is tipped.Devices and methods for use in securing goals so as to prevent tipping,particularly soccer goals, are known. Goals are typically formed byattaching netting to a frame structure. The frame structure typicallyincludes uprights, and cross-bars, but can also include a base,back-stops, and so forth. For example, a soccer goal typically includesa cross-bar that is attached across two uprights so as to form anopening through which a ball must pass to score a goal. In addition, thesoccer goal typically has a base to which the uprights are attached. Thedesign of the base can depend on whether the goal is permanently ortemporarily located at the playing filed. Permanent goals, such as thoseused at a dedicated stadium, can have a base that includes a foundationor anchors sunken in the playing field. More commonly soccer goals aretemporarily located at the playing field and are movable. For example,soccer goals used at local community parks, schools, sports complexes,and so forth, are temporarily located at the playing field to allowother uses of the facility. Movable or temporary soccer goals typicallyhave a base that consists of a metal framework that extends on one sideof a goal plane formed by the uprights and the cross-bar. For a typicalmoveable goal, the base is generally formed by conduits that areconnected perpendicular to the uprights and extend away form the goalplane. The conduits are typically connected to other conduits so that anenclosure capable of containing balls can be formed when netting isapplied.

A typical temporary or movable soccer goal has a framework constructedof metal that can be quiet heavy, and weigh up to several hundredpounds. Although a goal can have substantial weight, a typical movablesoccer goal is susceptible to tipping because the structural weight islocated on one side of the goal plane. To prevent tipping the goal canbe anchored to the ground by the use of stacks connected to the framebase, sandbags placed on the frame base, and so forth. Unfortunately,because of the movable nature of the soccer goal, and for a variety ofreasons such as moving goals for practice, moving goals for fieldmaintenance, and so forth, the goal are often not securely anchored andpose a hazard. Tipping of an inadequately anchored soccer goal can beinitiated by seeming innocuous behavior such as an individual hangingfrom the cross-bar. Because public facilities such as community parks,and so forth, typically use movable goals, goal tipping can occur duringperiods when playing fields are unsupervised. Although a moveable soccergoal is light enough to be moved with some effort, a typical goal canweigh up to several hundred pounds. When tipped and because of theweight of a soccer goal, the uprights and cross-bar have been known tostrike, severely injure, and even kill soccer players.

Goal tipping can be eliminated by permanently anchoring the goal to theground such as by cementing the uprights into a foundation.Unfortunately, permanent anchoring of a goal can limit the use of thefacilities such as community parks, playing fields, and so forth forother activities. As a result temporary goal are used extensively.Although temporary goal are not permanently anchored, the goals aretypically used with removable anchoring systems. When properly in placeremovable anchoring systems can securely anchor a goal to the ground.Unfortunately, the removable nature of the anchors poses a problembecause the anchors may not be in place for a number of reasons.Precautionary placards and labels that state the importance of properanchoring can be attached to goals, but often prove to be ineffective.

Because of actual personal injuries caused by a tipped soccer goal,public facilities and communities that make soccer fields and goalsavailable for general use have required the locking of opposing goalstogether when not in use so as to reduce the potential for injury causedby tipping during the unsupervised use of a goal. Soccer goals typicallyweigh up to several hundred pounds and moving and locking goals togethercan be a significant inconvenience, can require significant effort, andcan be a potential risk for injury. Further, locking goal togethereffectively eliminates any legitimate unsupervised or causal use of thegoals. The causal use of the playing field can also be compromisedbecause locked- or chained-together goals are often located on theplaying field, typically in the middle. Yet, other goal systems proposea base that has elements that extend on either side of the goal plane.Unfortunately, part or all of the extension typically extends into theplaying field and creates a tripping hazard. The tripping hazard can bereduced by designing extendable base elements that can be retractedduring play and practice; however, when such base elements areretracted, the goal faces the same tipping potential as conventionalmovable goals.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that prevents moveablegoals, such as soccer goals, from tipping and causing goal componentssuch as uprights and cross-bar to move towards the playing surface insuch a manner as to strike, trap, and severely injure individuals whilenot overly restricting the use, access to, and movement of the goal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus and a method for use to prevent the tipping of goals usedfor sporting activities are provided. The apparatus includes a supportattached to an upright such that the support is capable of moving withina desired range relative to the upright and contacting the playingsurface so as to stop and prevent the tipping movement of the goal. Thesteps of the method include installing an apparatus having a support ina goal upright, and contacting an end of the support with a surface uponwhich the goal is supported.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for supporting an upright of a soccergoal in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a soccer goal in a tipped position having the supportof the apparatus positioned against the playing surface in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an apparatus having an extension and a lockingmechanism attached to the support as part of a soccer goal in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus retrofitted to the upright of anexisting soccer goal in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An apparatus for and method of supporting uprights of a goal so as toprevent or stop the tipping of the goal are described. The apparatusincludes a support that is hingedly connected to an upright having achannel that is capable of accepting the support. When the goal istipped, gravity causes the support to move relative to the upright. Whenthe support moves within a desired position relative to the upright andcontacts the playing surface, the rotational movement of the tipped goalcan be stopped. The movement and position of the support relative to theupright can be limited to a desired range by a restraint that isconnected to the upright and the support.

An apparatus for supporting an upright of a soccer goal is shown inFIG. 1. The apparatus includes a support 101 that is movably connectedto an upright 103. In this particular embodiment, the support 101attaches to a hinge 105 mounted inside a channel 107 of the upright 103.Preferably, the support 101 is positioned such that proximately closesurfaces of the upright and support form a generally uniform shape suchthat the support 101 appears to be part of the upright 103. Optionally,the support 101 can have an outer element with a surface that forms agenerally continues surface with the surface of the support 101 when thesupport 101 is positioned in the channel 107. Alternatively, the support101 can be connected to the upright 103 preferably by positioning thehinge 105 to allow the support 101 to hang laterally along an outersurface of the upright 103.

Besides the support 101 mounted to an upright 103, a typical soccer goalincludes a cross-bar 115 attached the two uprights 103. The cross-barand uprights form a goal plane through which a ball must pass to score.The uprights 103 are also attached to a base 117 that supports thesoccer goal on the playing field and extends behind the goal plane.Conduits 119 on either side of the goal are connected to an upright 103and the base 117 so as to form an enclosure for trapping soccer ballswhen netting 121 is applied.

When the soccer goal is on a generally level playing field, gravitycause the support 101 to rest within the channel 107 as shown on theleft-hand side of the goal in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the support 101 canbe grasped and force applied to rotate the support 101 out of thechannel 107 and away from the upright 103 as shown on the right-handside of the goal in FIG. 1. The movement of the support 101 relative tothe upright 103 can be limited to a desired range by a restraint 109that can be movably attached to the support 101 and the channel 107.Depending on goal construction including the specific mechanical layoutof the goal, material of construction, center of gravity, netting,framework, base, and so forth, the deployment of supports beyond adesired range of movement may not stop goal movement and can result incontinued forward movement of the goal, tumbling of the goal, and soforth. How the restraint 109 is connected to the support 101 and theupright 103 can depend on the type of restraint used. For example, anon-rigid restraint that is a chain, rope, elastic band, and so forthcan be connected by fixing a first end of the chain to the support at aconnection 113. A second end of the chain can be attached to a guide 111mounted in the channel 107. Alternatively, when using a rigid restraintsuch as a metal rod, bar, and so forth, movable connections such as byhinges, and other movable assemblies can be used to connect therestraint to the support 101 and upright 103.

When the goal is located on a typical level playing surface, therestraint 109 is hidden from view. Alternatively, restraints can bedesigned to attach in a variety of ways to the support and/or theupright. The restraint can also employ the use of other restrainingdevices such as stops, springs, levers, grooves, straps, belts, and soforth, and can be exposed, as opposed to being hidden, when the goal isproperly positioned for use on a level playing surface.

A soccer goal in a tipped position having the support of the apparatuspositioned against the playing surface is as shown in FIG. 2. When notanchored securely a typical soccer goal can be tipped by placing enoughforce on the goal. For example, goal tipping can occur when a playerinadvertently grasps and hangs from the cross-bar 115. As the goal tips,gravity causes the support 101 to rotate at the hinge 105 connected tothe upright 103. Gravity will tend to keep the support in a generalvertical position as the goal tips until a restraint 109 that isconnected to both the support 101 and the upright 103 limits furthermovement of the support 101. With the support's 101 position limited towithin a desired range by the restraint 109, a bottom end 201 of thesupport 101 contacts with the playing surface 203 so as to stop therotation or tipping of the goal and the goal will be in a reasonablystable position.

An apparatus having an extension and a locking mechanism attached to thesupport as part of a soccer goal is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodimentan extension 301 is movable attached to the support 101. Generally, theextension 301 is positioned on the support 101 in a retracted positionso that the support 101 can be freely received into the channel 107 inthe upright 103. The extension 301 can also be position on the support101 so as to form a longer or extended support. The extensions arepreferably used so that a first end of the extension can beautomatically or manually adjusted, expanded, formed, and/or modified soas to be proximately close the playing field and provide a more stablemeans for supporting a tipable goal. Typically, to deploy or adjust theextension 310, the support 101 is grasped and moved away from theupright 103. The extension 301 is then position along the support 101 ata desired position. For example, the support 101 and the extension 301can have complementary tough and groove elements that allows the support101 and extension 301 to pass adjacent to each other while remainingproximately close. A pin that passes through complementary holes on thesupport and the extension can be used to fix the position of theextension. Alternately, other systems such as complementary teeth on theextension and support, ratchet type mechanisms, and so forth can be usedso as to be able to move and then fix the relative extension position onthe support. Once the extension 301 is fixed in position the extensioncan be released so as to contact the playing field.

Preferably, the extensions 301 are used when the goal are to be leftunattended. For example, when a game or supervised practice ends, theextensions 301 can be placed in the extended position. In the extendedposition, the extensions will substantially reduce the ability to tipthe goal. To insure that the extensions 301 remain deployed when thegoal is left unattended, a locking mechanism 303 can be attached tosecure the extension 301 to a fixed position on the support 101. Forexample, if a pin system holds the extension 301 in position on thesupport 101, then the locking mechanism 303 could be used to prevent pinremoval. When supervised use of the goal is again planned, the lockingmechanism 303 can be released, and the extension 301 retracted so thatthe support 101 can again be received into the channel 107.

An apparatus retrofitted to the upright of an existing soccer goal isshown in FIG. 4. A typical soccer goal is formed by an upright 103attached to a base 117, a crossbar 115 and conduits 119 so as to form anenclosure that can be partially covered by netting. A typical upright103 can be formed from rectangular metal, angle iron, other rigidmaterial such a plastics, and so forth and has an inner volume that canbe used for the channel 107. Alternatively, the upright can be formed ina cylindrical shape having an inner volume that can also be utilized forthe channel 107. An existing soccer goal can be modified by removing aportion of the outer surface of the upright so as to form, expose, andprovide access to the channel 107. Alternatively, new soccer goals canbe manufactured with supports already installed in the upright or theupright can have removable outer surfaces that facilitate theinstallation of supports at some time after manufacture.

Once the channel 107 is exposed, the support 101 can be mounted to theupright 103 by a hinge 105 that is mounted inside an upper portion ofthe channel 107. Preferably, the support 101 and the hinge 105 aredesigned to be capable of allowing the support 101 to hang inside thechannel 107 in a recessed position that makes the support appear to bepart of the upright. For example, the support 101 can include an outerplate that has an outer surface that appears to form an outer surface ofthe upright 103 when the support 101 is in a normal position of hanginginside the channel 107. The outer plate facilitates a hidden appearanceof the apparatus such that the upright appears to have a continuousouter surface.

In this embodiment the restraint 109 is movably connected to the support101 and the upright 103. For example, a first end of restraint 109 isrotatably attached to the support 101 by a first securable pin 401, suchas a pin that can be secured with a cotter pin. A second end of therestraint 109 is slideably attached inside the channel 107 of theupright 103 through a guide 111 that can be slotted. In this example,the second end of the restraint 109 is attached to an anchor 405 that isheld in place by the guide 111 that is attached to the channel 107. Asecond securable pin 403 can be used to movably attach the second end ofthe restraint 109 to the slidable anchor 405. The guide 111 is formedsuch that the anchor 405 can slideably move through a space formedbehind the guide 111 and the inner surface of the upright 103. Forexample, the guide can have a slot thorough which the restraint beattached to the anchor and through which the restraint can move when thesupport is being deployed. Movement of the anchor 405 can be facilitatedby the use of bearings, rollers, and so forth that reduce frictionalresistance to the movement of the anchor.

Optionally, an extension 301 can be movably attached to the support 101.The locking mechanism 303 is used to secure the extension 301 at a fixedposition relative to support. For example, the locking mechanism couldinclude a pin, clip, other types of mechanical fasteners, and so forththat can be secured or locked in position. Preferably, the extension 301and locking mechanism 303 are designed to be hidden when the support 101is in the nominal position in the channel 107. Typically, the extension301 is used when the soccer goal is unsupervised. In this situation, theextension 301 is deployed by grasping and swinging the support 101outward away from the upright 103. While continuing to grasp the support101, the extension 301 is deployed and locked with the locking mechanism303 in position along the support 101. The extended support is thenallowed to rest on the playing surface, e.g. the ground.

A method for preventing the tipping of a goal used for sportingactivities includes the steps of installing an apparatus having asupport in an upright of the goal, and contacting an end of the supportwith the playing surface that supports the goal. At the apparatusinstallation step, the support 101 is hingedly connected to an uppersection of the upright 103. The installation step can be applied so asto retrofit an existing goal with an apparatus. Such a retrofittypically requires the removal of a portion of the upright so as toexpose an inner volume of the upright that forms the channel 107 thatwill accept the support. Additionally, other components that facilitateforming the channel 107 and the adjacent upright surfaces can beinstalled.

The step of contacting an end of the support with the playing surface,e.g. the ground, can be the tipping of the goal such that gravity causesthe support to rotate out of the channel 107 to a desired position aslimited by the restraint 109. Alternatively, this step can includegrasping and moving of the support 101 out of the channel 107. Anextension 301 at an end of the support 101 can be extended until contactis made with the playing surface. Alternatively, the extension can bepartially extended and the support released and allowed to contact theplaying surface. Preferably, after the extension 301 is extended to adesired position and the locking mechanism 303 is engaged so as to lockthe extension 301 in position on the support 101. The deploying andlocking of the extension 301 is preferably used to reduce goal tippingduring unsupervised goal use.

Although the present invention is illustrated by the example of anapparatus for use with soccer goals, the present invention may beapplied to football goals, field hockey goals, lacrosse goals, icehockey goals, movable basketball goals, other kinds of tipable devicehaving uprights, and so forth.

The present invention provides a number of advantages, including anapparatus that can prevent a temporary or movable sport goal such as asoccer goal from falling over when tipped and potentially contacting,trapping, injuring, including fatal injuries, and so forth players,goalies, and other individuals that come in close proximity to the goal.By reducing the potential for the complete tipping over of a goal, theinvention advantageously reduces the possibility of serious personalinjury or death cause by tipping the goal. Because the present inventionhas protective supports that fit within goal upright, the playing fieldin front of the goal is not obstructed and the goal can be used withoutadditional concerns about tripping or injuring players with goalcomponents that extend into the playing field. At the same time, theinvention advantageously allows for effective anti-tipping protection inthe case of ineffective anchoring of the goal and associated netting.The invention can also advantageously eliminate the need to move andchain goals together when not in use by deploying and locking into placeextensions that are part of the supports of the invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one upright; and a support that ismovably connected to the upright, wherein the support is capable ofpreventing the rotation of the apparatus by moving within a desiredrange relative to the upright.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a restraint that is connected to the upright and to thesupport and is capable of limiting the movement of the support relativeto the upright to a desired range.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a channel along a lateral length of the upright, wherein thechannel is capable of receiving the support.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein an outer surface of the support forms an approximatelycontinuous surface with a proximately close outer surface of theupright.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base attachedto a bottom end of the upright.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesupport is extendable.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising alocking mechanism that is capable of locking the support in an extendedposition.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upright has agenerally cylindrical shape.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theupright has a generally rectilinear shape.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the upright is a part of a sport goal wherein the sport goal isfrom a group consisting a soccer goal; a basketball goal; a footballgoal; a field hockey goal, an ice hockey goal, and a lacrosse goal. 11.An apparatus comprising: a cross member connected to a first uprighthaving a first channel, and a second upright having a second channel; afirst support that is capable of fitting in the first channel and havinga first end that is hingedly mounted to the first upright; a firstrestraint movably mounted to the first upright and to the first support;a second support that is capable of fitting in the second channel andhaving a first end that is hingedly mounted to the second upright; and asecond restraint movably mounted to the second upright and to the secondsupport.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a baseconnected to the first upright and to the second upright.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the base generally extends only on oneside of a plane formed by the first upright, the second upright, and thecross member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first restraintis capable of limiting the movement of the first support relative to thefirst upright.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the secondrestraint is capable of limiting the movement of the second supportrelative to the second upright.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein afirst end of the first restraint is hingedly connected to the firstsupport and a second end of the first restraint is slideably connectedto the first channel.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a first endof the second restraint is hingedly connected to the second support anda second end of the second restraint is slideably connected to thesecond channel.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first supportis extendable.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a firstlocking mechanism that is capable of locking the first support in anextended position.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the secondsupport is extendable.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprisinga second locking mechanism that is capable of locking the second supportin an extended position.
 22. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein thefirst upright and the second upright are part of a sport goal whereinthe sport goal is from a group consisting a soccer goal a football goal,a field hockey goal, an ice hockey goal, and a lacrosse goal.
 23. Amethod comprising the steps of: installing an apparatus in a upright ofa goal used for sporting activities, wherein the apparatus has a supportthat is capable of stopping the movement of the upright; and contactinga surface that supports the goal with a first end of the support. 24.The method of claim 23, wherein the first end of the support contactsthe surface by tipping the goal such that gravity causes the support torotate away from the upright.
 25. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising the step of extending the support.
 26. A method of claim 25,further comprising the step of locking the support in an extendedposition with a locking mechanism.